The mercurial midfielder weaved about all along the front three, probing into gaps, dropping deep and buzzing in and around the Bolton box in a masterclass of incisive and entertaining movement in the final third.

He showed some deft footwork, a cavalier instinct to run at and beat a man and the spatial awareness to spot the runs of players off the ball and the ability to pick them out.

And he has an eye for goal. His sizzling opener was a long range laser guided missile that screamed home. It was a beautiful strike.

But he also teed up Kike for the third when another snap shot took a deflection and looped up then bounced down off the bar.

And the eye-catching Italian - who was a regular Under 21 international and also has one senior cap - also claimed an assist for Kike’s first goal, threading a sublime well spotted pass through the defence and straight into the Spanish striker’s feet.

Fabbrini celebrates his goal against Bolton

It was exactly what Boro were crying out for all last season, a livewire locksmith to unpick well drilled defences, a catalyst to make things happen in the final third.

No wonder Fabbrini had fans chanting his name within minutes.

He plays with a zest, with a dynamism. He makes direct runs but also tracks back and shows a feisty flash, puts in a tackle, snaps at heels, chasing loose balls and lost causes.

He is a box-ticking trickster with all the important attributes of a fans’ favourite

Now fans have seen what he brings to the mix they have embraced him with gusto.

Fans may have shrugged their shoulders dismissively when the Italian arrived.

He had been a fringe figure at Watford and loaned out to Millwall and Birmingham last term without setting the world alight.